This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Turritopsis nutricula are a band from Slovenia that plays a very atmospheric and depressive form of black metal and this is a review of their self titled and self released 2011 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only utilized on the outro they bring a very dark and evil ambient sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding depressive black metal riffs mixed in with some dark sounding melodies as well as a brief use of soft and clean playing that uses a good amount of full chords to enhance the darkness of the music and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding black metal growls and high pitched depressive black metal screams with a brief spoken word part being used on one song, while the lyrics cover dark and depressive themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Turritopsis nutricula are a very great sounding raw and primitive atmospheric/depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Until The Grim Master Invites Us To Dance". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Kolga are a band from Michigan that plays a form of post black metal mixd with some dark and doom metal influences and this is a review of their 2012 Demo which was released by Lundr Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with only a small amount of fast playing and blast beats , while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only utilized briefly they being a very dark, atmospheric and pagan sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast post black metal riffs that also utilize influences from shoegaze, dark and doom metal with a great amount of dark sounding melodies that gives the music a very progressive sound mixed in with some clean playing while still retaining the raw and primitive nature of the genre while the lead guitars bring an ambient/shoegaze feeling to the music with alot of weird distorted effects.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some clean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover dark and pagan themes, as for the production it has a very dark and heavy sound to it.

In my opinion Kolga are a very great dark and atmospheric sounding post black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Out Of The Wood". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Arch Daeva are a band from Greece that plays a very raw and primitive form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2012 demo "Illuminates Of Thanateros".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music, while the sound effects which are used on the intro bring a very dark and occult sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them .

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some dark sounding melodies and a thrash feel and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover dark, occult and left hand path themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Arch Daeva are a very great raw and primitive sounding occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Illuminates Of Thanateros" and "Dagon Ascending". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Cara Neir are a band from Dallas, Texas that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crustcore and screamo and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Stagnant Perceptions".

Drum programming ranges from slow, mid paced to fast beats, while t he bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some influences from crustcore and screamo to create a sound of their own as well as some dark sounding melodies mixed in with a brief use of soft and clean playing while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very dark and distorted sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times that are a combination of death metal and crustcore, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Cara Neir are a very great and original sounding raw and primitive black metal with a crustcore and screamo edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Imperialist Design" "Dethroned And Leprous" "Amaranthine Fingers" and "My Apology". RECOMMENDED BUY

Welkin Dusk are a band I recently reviewed a demo from with a style that mixes raw and primitive sounding black metal with crustcore and this is a review o0f their self released 2011 cassette "Born Into A Dying World".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing is a little bit more mixed down on this recording with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and on certain songs they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riffs mixed in with some dark sounding melodies while still retaining some of the crustcore influences from their first demo and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording with maybe a couple of punk rock style leads being used on one song briefly.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some crustcore style growls and shouts, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great release from Welkin Dusk and if you where a fan of their previous recording you will enjoy this one as well, in addition there are some re-recorded songs from that demo. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Buried Deep In My Hate" "All That Sacred is A Lie" and "Gasping". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Welkin Dusk are a band from Chicago, Illinois that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crustcore and this a review of their 2010 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with a great amount of crustcore influences, while the lead guitars are very primitive sounding black metal guitar solos and leads with a slight melodic edge on the last song.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams and crustcore style growls, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Welkin Dusk are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal band mixed with crustcore and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Entrapped" and "Welcome To The Penitentiary". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Friday, January 27, 2012

This is a review of the 4 songs from a split album Ramlord did, which had their previous recording reviewed in this zine that plays a raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crust, s tenchcore and sludge.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that still retain a black metal edge but concetrate more on the sludge and crust riffing with this recording and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals on this recording are mostly crust/grind style growls with not much of the black metal screams that where on the previous recoring, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very heavy and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was a decent recording from Ramlord and this is a good for a crust record but I prefer the more black metal side of the band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Restrained" and "Relapse". RECOMMENDED

Ramlord are a band from New Hampshire that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with crust, power violence and stenchcore and this is a review of their self released 2011 cassette "Stench Of Fallacy".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that also combine influences from crust, stenchcore, sludge and power violence to create their own style of black metal with a brief use of soft and clean playing while the lead guitars which are utilized briefly have a 70's stoner rock feeling to the leads and solos.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams and crustcore style growls with some samples being thrown in, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very heavy raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Ramlord are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal/sludge/crustcore hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Wolves Of Isolation" "Godcrusher" "First breath/Last breath" and "Total Doom". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Idorath are a band from Austria that plays an extreme form of black metal mixed in with some death metal influences and melody and this is a review of their 2012 album "Dekonstrukteur Des Fleisches" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast playing with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the keyboards when they are utilized they bring a very dark and atmospheric feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are not raw or primitive at all with some influences from death and thrash metal mixed in with a good amount of dark melodies as well as a brief use of soft and clean playing while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics are written in German and cover darkness, death and damnation, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion Idorath are a good band for their style of black metal and while this is not my favorite style of the genre I still feel the band does it well and if you are a fan of black metal that is more catchy with a more modern metal sound, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Dekonstrukteur Des Fleisches" "Unter Flammenden Laternan" "Das Stolze Tier" and "Taubhiet". RECOMMENDED BUY

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Nesseria are a band from Frnace that played a very raw and primitive form of black metal on this recording mixed in with some crustcore and sludge and this is a review of their self titled 2010 album which was released by Throatruiner Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some influences from crustcore and sludge with some songs being hardcore influenced while the lead guitars when they are utilized briefly have a death metal feeling to the leads without turning into guitar solos.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with a brief spoken word passage on the last song, while the lyrics are written in French with themes that cover darkness and hatred, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Nesseria play a decent form of raw and primitive black metal mixed in with some sludge and crust influenced and the only complaint I have about the recording is some of the hardcore ridding other than that, this is a good album and if you are a fan of this style, you should c heck out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "A Ceux Qui Nous Ont Lâchés" "Arkhangelsk" "Pyramide" and "Les Filles De Dieu". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the project these days?
The next full release is tentatively entitled “Sermon 31: Clavicle: 1-6 the Third Trine of Satyr’s Cross”. This album is more conceptual than the previous releases, written in a linear narrative that tells the tale of a place called Satyr’s Cross where realities intersect and are erased. While this album has been demoed out for quite some time (a preview is posted on mySpace), I have held off on finishing while I addressed some recording and production considerations. The last two releases “Denuntiatus Cinis” and “In Obsecration of the Seven Darks” were both recorded at the same time and in the same manner. I wanted to step back and take more time thinking about composing and recording. To keep my forward momentum I decided to change up my recording methods and practices, thus offering something slightly different. I do not want to make the same album. So while the new album is completed, it is done with scratch tracks, and the re-recording these tracks I expect to occur throughout winter and spring. There is also a split coming out with Ophidian Forest on UW Records later this year. This split will be material from the now out of print Dis demo released on Toadstool Enterprises in 2010, though re-mixed. I try to post updates to the mySpace site regularly, and there are some feeds from that blog posted on metalunderground and other sites.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
With the new upcoming release, “Sermon 31: Clavicle: 1-6 the Third Trine of Satyr’s Cross”, I would say the sound offers something new while maintaining the Haeresiarchs of Dis format and style. While I freely experiment with Haeresiarchs of Dis, it will always have the same backbone, same flavor: underground metal wet in the occult, religion, and the sick areas of the human condition. Lyrically, the narrative that I use on “Sermon 31” will stand out as different being a continuous piece of prose, though will still maintain the darker themes and ideas I put forth on previous releases. Aside from some different equipment and software, expect the new material to contain all the hallmarks of Haeresiarchs of Dis: fast riffs, slower drones, choirs, ambient, and some acoustics. This album is also written without large breaks between tracks as it is intended as a single conceptual piece.

3. I know that some of the lyrical topics are based on Paradise Lost and some Celtic Myths, what are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?
There is mythology in there, and there is Milton as well. While it really depends on which album we can add Dante, cosmology, occult, philosophy, and the black plague to name some.

4. Have you worked with other musicians before and so how would you compare that to being solo?
I spent many years playing with other musicians in various types of bands. Everyone always had a different idea of what should be done and how. Sometimes it really fueled creativity, but more often it caused problems. I think when I played with others they were just the wrong people and ultimately I lost interest until it became possible to do everything myself. It was a fine experience for the time, but this type of project really is a solo effort, and I do not think it could be anything else. I never set out for this to be a solo effort, it just happened, but it has also been the most rewarding. Therefore, the best means and experience for me to express this creativity is alone.

5. I noticed you use the name Cerrunos what is it that drawn you to this Celtic diety?
Really the first thing that drew me to it was some old stone reliefs I saw in a book. But beyond that my background has celtic roots, and the seemingly ageless entity of Cernos, or Cernunnos, just kept my attention and seemed appropriate. “The Horned One”… Just felt like a good match to my ideals and interests.

6. Your album had an Emperor cover, what was the decision behind that?
It just happened. I was practicing with various amps and recording tone levels. Next thing I knew I had recorded most of Ensorcelled by Khaos, so decided to finish it up and add to the release. Emperor has always inspired my music, so this felt like an appropriate addition to the album. I also had not seen this track covered before, so thought I might lend my style to it.

7. How has your music been received by black metal fans worldwide?
Some like it, some hate it. I suppose it would be that way no matter what I was doing. I do this music because it is something that I might like to listen to, and ultimately that is all that matters. I do not know if I’d call it black metal anymore, maybe just underground, I really do not know. Metal has become so cliché, and the people who listen to it are myriad. Old school die-hards to younger enthusiasts… and in both groups they either stick to older values or blindly follow trends.

8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases/
I cannot say, because this band exists in the moment. This moment can last or fade from my interest at anytime. Because I do whatever strikes me as interesting with Haeresiarchs of Dis I’d imagine future direction would not be much different than today. I have used classical instruments, droning acoustics, boys choir and piano to much extent on my releases… Maybe a future album would be just piano, or ambient noise. It is hard to say because this band exists in what I feel at the moment. And what I feel at any moment may fluctuate depending on what is happening in my life.

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced the newer sound of your music and also what are you listening to nowadays/
I have so much music I have and currently listen to that it is always difficult to try and simplify this. Much of the Moribund releases have been influential on me in the last decade. At a root level, Mercyful Fate has stuck with me from my early days, and always inspires me to some extent. More recently I have been listening to more early progressive rock. I’d imagine all of this comes into play when I write and record.

10. What role does Paganism, Satanism, and Occultism play in your music and how would you describe your views on these topics?
I won’t try to describe my personal views on these topics because in the end it is all used as a vehicle for me to express an idea or feeling. This type of imagery and overtones goes hand in hand with music, and that is more apparent today than I think it ever has been. It is not any different than it was 40 years ago.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests/
Currently music is the only thing I am sharing publically, but I have done visual art and writing in the past. Music has taken a stronger foothold in my activities since the technology has made it easier to make my solo efforts.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
None at this time. Thank you for the interest.

The Phantom Carriage are a band from France that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed with jazz and hardcore and this is a review of their 2011 album "New Thing" which was released by Throatruiner Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful, as for the saxophones which are only used on a couple of songs they bring a jazz/lounge feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a good amount of jazz and hardcore influences which combined brings a very dark and progressive feeling along with some noisy distortion to the music and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams combined with some hardcore growls, shouts and clean singing as well as a brief spoken word part, while the lyrics cover dark themes with one song being written in French, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion The Phantom Carriage are good for a raw and primitive black metal/jazz/harcore hybrid and will this is not my favorite style and might not appeal to everybody, you might enjoy this if you are an open minded black metal fan. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Wreck Of My Mental Ship " "Black Rain Falls In Drops" and "16-04-10". RECOMMENDED.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Starting of this split was As We Draw and Euglena which where hardcore bands not suitable for this zine so we will review Hexis a band from Denmark that mixes raw and primitive depressive black metal with crust and sludge core.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats, while the bass playing has a dark tone with some sludgy riffs.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that also mix in influences from sludge and crustcore and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with some sludge style yells being used on occasion, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Hexis are a very good raw and primitive depressive black metal band with a crustcore and sludge edge to them and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Crux". RECOMMENDED BAND.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We formed in '96, released our first album in '98, we have released 6 albums to date plus two more under a different name. We currently play as a two piece. I (Nick Reyes) do vocals, guitar, and drums/programming and Frank Gross plays bass. We play Black/Death Metal and we have a new album out called The Desolate.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the previous recordings?
The sound of the new album is more refined than our previous albums. The new album was done with more time and more digital resources i.e., plugins, and amp modellers. Contrary to popular belief, there are NO drums machines on this album. I played the drums myself on my V drumset part by part. Since Im not a real drummer, I had to program the drum placement and paste parts that I couldn't do manually. The sound from our previous albums was usually done low budget, and intended to sound as "raw" as possible. Our first three albums were recorded on tape.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The album is about desolation. Most of the themes are post apocalyptic and about the deterioration of organized religion. Every album typically has a theme to it.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name?
Our former bass player Juan Santiago came up with the band name. I don't think it is a real word with a real definition which is what we liked about the band name. Since we were all latin, it made us think of something having to do with fire.

5. Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe the stage performance?
We have been playing live shows since 1998. Some of the more memorable shows were at the Miami Metalfest in 2002. We also played some noise shows in Norway in 2004. The crowd response at all our shows was generally positive. Since we weren't a band playing every weekend, most of the people who went to our shows gave us a good response. We haven't performed live since 2005. Hopefully in this coming year that might change.

6. I have read that one of the band members was involved in the military, how do you feel that reflects on the aggression of the music?
I am still "involved" with the military. I wouldn't say my military career impacts a great deal on the aggression aspect, more on the motivation to finish the album, but there definitely is some aggression that leaves its mark. Logically, being deployed away from your family in a place where you get mortared and shot at frequently creates tension, uneasiness and to some degree paranoia. Most soldiers know how to deal with this stress, I just put mine into the music.

7. Currently the band is unsinged are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
Generally speaking, all bands are always looking for labels. As far as the best fit, I would have to say one of the smaller ones that put out lots of black and death metal. No specific record label comes to mind at the moment though.

8. What is going on with the band members other projects these days?
Frank is writing a novel at the moment. I play in Cayos which is an experimental noise project which puts out music on the electronic music label Schematic. Last year we put out a very successful album called "Shell Beach". I also have another band called Ruin which is re-releasing a cd entitled "Aggressive Magnetism" we recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, and working on new material.

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
It depends. Usually positive. Your more open minded Black Metal fans that have an appreciation for the genre and give all lesser know bands a listen, typically receive it positively. Your more closed minded fan that owns a handful of Black Metal albums, rips or pirates the rest, and claims to be the only true Black Metal fan left in this quadrant of the solar system usually don't take to us very well.

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Definitely a lot darker. Maybe longer songs. Hopefully a real drummer on the next album. Eventually id like to delve into a less "traditional" set up i.e., lesser guitars bass, vocals, and drums. I would like to focus more on the atmosphere and the feel of the music than be worried about levels of a bass drum.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The bands that influenced us are probably your typical ones:
Burzum, Darkthrone, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Keep of Kalessin, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved, In the Woods, Arcturus, Noctuary.
As for what Im listening to nowadays it varies (this is stuff in my recent playlist):
Wu-Tang Clan, WITTR, Ween, Ulver, Toyan, Sunn o))), Satyricon, Roberta Flack, Rapoon, Q and not U, Morbid Angel, Iron and Wine, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Darkthrone, Burzum, Benny Goodman, Burning Spear, At The Gates.

12. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?
It did in a lot of the older stuff. Infinite Dying Souls was heavily influenced by the occult, and paganism. Then when bands began to use it as a checklist or prerequisite for forming a black metal band, we explored different themes.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Frank is really into writing his book. I enjoy collecting vinyl, training for the Special Forces Qualification Course, working out, and watching the Twilight Zone.

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

I really appreciate you listening to the album, writing a review and taking your time to post this interview. I would like to also take the time to thank everyone who reads it and listens to the music as well. We have merch available through our sites, spread the word about Inferion. Spread the word.

Abidetherien are a band from Syria that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2012 album "Paralysis Engulfed The Myth".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast playing with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music along with a brief use of tribal drumming, while the synths when they are utilized bring a very dark avant garde edge to the music with some Middle Eastern folk instruments being used on the last song, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with primitve riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some distorted noises with some clean playing, while the lead guitars are very raw and primitive sounding Middle Eastern black metal guitar solos and leads with some melodies being thrown in at times, as for the classical guitars when they are utlized they use some exotic sounding scales and inger picking to bring a Middle Eastern folk music feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover horror and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Abidetherien are a very great and original sounding raw and primitive Middle Eastern black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TACKS INCLUDE "Begotten" "Ninety Nine Names" and "Sin Sculptor". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Inferion are a band from Florida that plays a very raw, primitive and brutal form of black metal and this is a review of their self released 2012 album "The Desolate".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very brutal, raw and primitive sounding with a good amount of death metal influences being thrown into the music as well as some dark sounding melodies, and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep death metal growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover dark and evil themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Inferion are a very good sounding brutal, raw and primitive sounding black metal band with a death metal and melodic edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Among The Twilight" "It Began With Blood" "Purest Evil" and "Withering Dieties". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Friday, January 20, 2012

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We are fully involved in the promotion of “Second Coming”. Thanks to the great work of our label we are receiving many review and interview. We are also planning some live shows for promoting the release the best we can

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

“Second Coming” is a mix between Black and Death Metal, with modern influences and more black’n’roll or “avant-garde” parts. I think you can easily say that it’s a Black/Death metal album but if you listen to it carefully you will identify a lot of different influences in our songs. The major difference between “Second Coming” and our previous releases is the more modern and in your face attitude. We tried to create songs that would have not lost anything about the aggression and impact we can offer during our live shows, and I think we did it.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new album?

We are continuing to explore the situation around human being. We started our concept with our first album, “Human Primordial Instinct”, we kept exploring it in “Late” and now we are here again with the last album.
The difference between “Second Coming” and our previous release is that now our Lyrics are more “positive”, there is space for humans to save themselves from their own trap. There is nothing about religion or Satanism here, just an anthropological point of view of what’s happening us every day.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Dissimulate – transform - change

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We had the honour to play with many important bands such as Keep of Kalessin, Rotting Christ, Entombed, Vader, Marduk and so on. We also participated to some festivals with bands like Dimmu Borgir or Opeth. I’d like to mention you our UK tour with Keep of Kalessin as the best experience we had. We stayed 10 days touring the UK in the tour bus, just playing and drinking, and than playing and drinking again!
About our live shows, we base our performance on aggression, especially now that we are not using face painting anymore.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
We just booked some gigs all around Italy at the moment, but we are working hardly for take part to some big tour around Europe. We will have updates soon, I hope!

7.Currently you are singed to My Kingdom Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

We know Francesco’s work from years and we are happy to can collaborate with his label. When I sent him our stuff he was enthusiastic and willing to start working together. We are getting many reviews and interviews till now, so I’m more than happy about our choice.

8. On a worldwide level how has your newer material been received by fans of black and extreme metal?

We are just at the first step of the promotion, but I can say that we have two kind of general feedback: you like the modern influences we added to our sound or you do not. I must say that generally speaking who liked “Late” criticized these influences and who did not know us really liked them! I think is strange that more than one people wrote that we have an excessive use of techno parts, when we just used them in a couple of riffs on just one song! But you know, we are receiving really positive feedback in general and most important we are more than happy about our work .

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We really don’t know. After “Late” we had no idea about our next release and now we are not using face painting anymore, we added many modern and different influences but we are still playing extreme black/death metal. We will keep doing it for sure, just we will contaminate our music in the way we will be inspired to do.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

As I told you, we have been mostly inspired from Norvegian Black Metal, U.S. Death Metal and also from some Italian acts like Aborym, Ephel Duath and Maldoror. My personal favourite band will be a mix between Darkthrone, Dodheimsgard and Vader! About my actual listening, I do not listen to many new bands by the way.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

We have never talked about Satanism or any other kind of religion in our music. We have an “anthropologic” point of view, evaluating evident facts and not metapysical doctrines when we write our lyrics and in general during our life. Talking about me, I do not follow any religion, neither Satanism. I just dedicate all my time and resources to my family, my job and my band and I try to treat people in the same way they treat me.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

We have no time for interests apart from our music! We all have jobs and families to think about! Talking about me, as Behavior Analyst I’m interested in human behaviour and the application of basic principles of behaviour in the society.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We really thank you for you support, we appreciate it! We invite all of you to listen to our music, you won’t be disappointed.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these
days?

Currently we’re working on some final compositions and the recording the debut album aswe speak and are in the lookout for potential labels to handle the release.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the
split and how it differs from previous recordings?
I would say that the material on “Astral Mantras...” has more in common witht he previous 7” we did for Legion of Death Records and the single “JanaaniJanmabhumisca...”, as it continues further explorations into a much intoxicated world fueled with oriental occultism. It however differs from our demo tape as that, we can without a doubt say has more intricate links to the debut full length which has the more aggressive live ritual material included.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
with the newer material?
“Astral Mantras...” explores alot of the Sri Lankan occult and our fascination with Sri Lankan and Indian classical music for example on “Transmigrations...”.And whilst “Bandhana” is inspired by a tale of an old practioner of the occult and the infamous event surrounding the individual, “Buddhang Saranang” is atribute cover to the now defunct “Mantra Rock” band who collectively go by the name Thapas. Since I think it’s a known fact that Sri Lanka is known as acountry which through events over the years, adept to the art of war, the material on the full length has more focus on the ancient wars such as the infamous Rama/Ravana scriptures such as the Bhagavat Gita, and further explorations into rituals and Sri Lankan demonology.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

A proclamation of sorts to describe the death or a transcending of a culture and its traditions, contrary to popular belief of the names religous or any other minuscule connotations.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?

The “In League With The Legion Of Death” gig with Manzer, Abigail and Orator in Siamese Hell definitely gets an honorable mention along with the Deccan Festival in Hyderabad India and a few other festivals in our homeland. And the stage performance? Utter fucking chaos.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Most definitely. We’re now looking into the possiblities of touring more in the European/USA regions, prefferably to promote the full length.

7. The new release is coming out on Dunkelhiet Producktionens, how did
you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the
support that they have given you so far?
Bernd from Dunkelheit actually got in touch with me a few years ago, and we have been discussing the release, trading, etc since way back. I could tell much about the individual from the way he played his part and communicated with us as from the day he offered to release this LP, and his devotion and interest towards the band and the release has not decreased an ounce since. A man who knows how to deliver, devoid of bullshit and true to his word. Total support,total respect.

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal
fans?
Leaving aside the obedience to commitments regarding certain aspects of the genre, we are not known as a project to play by much of the rules which have currently established themselves somehow onto the “scene”. So either you like it, or you don’t. We however keep getting countless messages from people who genuinely bonded with the previous ritual recordings and performances, and the support verbal and non is quite astonishing. We are humbled.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
As mentioned before, the full length will definitely have more ties with our demo tape, which displays more of the live ritual selections, which are more agressive, experimental but plain fucking chaotic. I guess we will have to wait to find out about what will manifest itself after.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Im not exactly sure what you mean by the “newer music” tag, but we have always been influenced by alot of Venom, Immortal, Archgoat and not forgetting theIndian/Sri Lankan classical adoration towards artists such as Premasiri Khemadasa, Jagjit Singh and Zakir Hussain. Recent listens include the new Archgoat, some Metalucifer and Barbatos, and alot of works by people such as James Read, Pete Hemlkamp and Alexander Milenwald.

11. Where does the band draw most of their views of Occultism from?
Mostly from ancient rare scriptures from Sri Lanka, which are 90% written in Sinhalese. And first hand traditions passed on from one generation to the next.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Sri Lankan demonology, the occult, arrack, archeology, history and again,arrack.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

1. Can yo tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

It all started in 2007 when I wrote a couple of songs which didn’t’t fit my other band Sarkom, so instead of just throwing them away, I decided to write a whole album as a solo project. I knew that this would take a long time, but as the songs started to take shape, I also knew that it would be worth it in the end. People / bands are usually so eager to get their music out as soon as possible, but this was never my intention. When I had written all the songs I asked Uruz if he would like to play drums on the album, and we started recording it pretty soon after that. So it’s been a long ride, but finally the album is here!

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

I would probably describe it as decadent dark metal-pop/rock of it’s finest art! Or something like that… This is our first release, except from a split 7” with Angst Skvadron last year, so I can’t compare it to any previous releases except from that one… But I guess it’s sort of the same sound and feeling as that one has.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The lyrics are based on a result from several years of darkness. Instead of whining to each and everyone about how much everything sucks and seem pointless, I’m privileged to be able to express these feelings and opinions through my lyrics. So the lyrical topics and subjects is about life and death, grief, darkness and alcohol, as well as everything else which comes natural to me to write about.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?

Well, it’s about all the disappointments and negativity in life. Whether it’s a small or big thing, I think most people have this feeling from time till another.. I mean, let’s say you’re an athlete and have been practising and lived for a sport like skiing your whole life. You have set a goal for the Olympic Games 6 years ahead, and finally you advance from the qualify. One week before it starts, you break your leg and you must cancel the whole championship.. So all this effort and hard work has been for nothing. And let’s say you run like hell for 10 minutes to catch a bus and you miss it anyway! So much for nothing!!! When I chose this name for the band, I expected lots of negative feedback as it didn’t “fit in” in the metal scene, but hey! That’s a part of the point as well! I don’t want this to appeal to only necro metal heads, but as many people as possible with a sense for good music! So if people find the name funny or stupid, I don’t care. I think it is the perfect name for the band! Isn’t this also a part of what black metal is; doing what you want, stand alone and don’t follow any trends?

5. Has the bands ever had any opportunities to do any live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the bands has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Not yet, but we are planning to put together a live line up, so hopefully you will be able to see SMFN at a venue nearby sooner or later.

6. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are there any plans to add other musicians in the future or do you choose to remain a duo?

The idea was that SMFN was supposed to be a solo project, so I don’t think we will bring in any others on a permanent basis, at least not for now. This makes me completely free to do whatever I want and take all decisions on my own!.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?

Hard to say… The album has only been out a couple of days, so I haven‘t got much feedback from black metal fans yet. But I guess that some will like it and some will hate it, as it‘s not corpsepainted “true“ black metal…However, the reviews have been overwhelming so far, so I’m excited to see/hear further reviews and feedback.

8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

I’m doing vocals, as well as song writing, in a band called Sarkom. We have released two albums and we are recording our third one these days. You can check it out at HYPERLINK "http://www.sarkomsect.com/" www.sarkomsect.com Uruz plays drums in Urgehal, as well as some other projects.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I’m already planning to record the second album next summer, as I‘m almost done with the material! I guess it will have an even more “pop feeling”, also with some “happy” tunes, but don’t worry, it will still be a very dark and decadent album… I’m not sure what instruments I will use, but hopefully more than just the regular ones this time as well. Either way, I think it will be a killer album, as the songs really are starting to take shape!

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I think that pop music and black metal is what have influenced me the most, but I’m not sure about any specific bands… I’ve been listening to new songs and material in progress for SMFN and Sarkom(I always do this until it’s finished…) lately. Besides that, Seigmenn, Burzum - Fallen, Shining - VII and Urfaust.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?

No.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Not much actually… I’m a “night person”, which suits me fine, as they’re sending Australian Open every night live on Eurosport these days! I hope to follow Federer and see him in the final on my big screen TV with a glass of vodka in my hand!

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Feel free to add us on HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/somuchfornothing" www.facebook.com/somuchfornothing for the latest news, and make sure to check out Livsgnist! Hopefully it will be worth the money, but here’s a little tip for optimal effect: Listen to the album when you’re alone and under heavy infliction of alcohol.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Pantheon of Blood was formed back in '09, in order to reflect those ideas and interests that felt important to get out from the system. The first demo was composed & recorded quite spontaneously soon after the formation; although the result could have been more carefully executed, I'm still safistied how it turned out - and so the seed was laid upon our Mother's Earth, may the muses of inspiration bless us 'till the end.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and how it differs from the demo?

Musically, "Consociatio..." EP was certainly a step to forward (or backwards, depends on the perspective you take) when it comes to thinking about how the songs should be progress structurally - but then again, not always the spontaneous & impulsive act of writing a song is a bad thing. My personal gratitudes goes for the newly-wedded members for making it possible to evolve the form of Pantheon of Blood further.

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?

A poetry subjected towards the greater beings and forces than we represent as petty humans; the lyrics also reflect our inner striving for getting to know the archetypal world, so that we can use the possibility for inspiring other people as in order to wake them up from the slumber of grey waters of 'forgetfulness'.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The name was originally chosen intuitionally, it felt that kind of a majestic and proud name that would suit perfectly to describe - even for myself - those fundamental ideas of blood mysticism present at the time. Now, it has grown to mean a lot more: it reminds me constantly from where I've truly came and where I'll go afterwards.

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do live shows and if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

No, we haven't got the opportunity to perform a live show not just yet, nor I can't promise if there will be ever be one - of course we're open to suggestions on that matter. For what I've thinked about the live situation hypothetically to be, it would be an open mass for those who would be interested of taking part of the energy between the band and audience, minus the hogwash outer ritualism which is in my opinion quite the opposite to respect the sacred current flowing in and out through us.

6. When I was looking at the Metal Archives page, it said one of the lyrical subjects was National-Romanticism, can you tell us a little bit more about what that means?

A direct quote from the other interview given earlier, I think it sums it up quite well: "National-Romanticism in this context refers to a bond between one's bloodline and geographical state: certain methods for the initiation to the transcendental knowledge & wisdom are to be found from the mystery of OUR blood and OUR cultural heritage."

7. So far all of the music that has came out has been 2 song ep's and demos, are there any plans for a full length in the future?

No idea if there will be a full-lenght in many, many years; the whole process usually takes more time than you've planned it to be. However, there's a mcd release on the works, so that will be our next release for what I can tell about our plans concerning the releases. It will be sort of a hermetic study of the basic elements known in different cultures by their various interpretions and modes working within our existence micro- and macrocosmically.

8. Currently you are singed to Glorious North Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

I accidentally got known mr. Sweeney through so-called social medias, and since that, we've been quite actively in contact with him. The support given by Glorious North is impeccable, even if the label is still very deeply rooted beneath the underground - but when it comes to his dedication running a label, I've nothing but praises to give.

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal fans?

We haven't received that much feedback, but so far it have been quite positive; yet it matters a little for us in the end, as our work is always done in solitude.

11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

It's hard to say about the direction where the path will lead us, but as our abilities to reflect from there to here are constantly evolving into other forms and methods, it surely does not mean staying in stagnance - otherwise it would be pointless to do this project anyway.

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

When it comes to my personal influences, the musical side of it comes from the idea of what Black Metal should be in its essence; there are no particular 'favourites' which I would raise one upon many. We all, of course, are capable of enjoying different kinds of musical genres as long it is honest to the bone.

13. What role does Occultism play in your music, and also what are the main forms of occultism that you are the most interested in and practice or study?

Also a quote suggested for the question: "When I speak of occultism here, I don't speak of what it may mean to me personally. But when this subject is looked from the perspective of Pantheon of Blood, a couple of words can be uttered: to practice the great art of occultism is to practice nature's hidden powers and those powers that are potential in Man, but not yet actualized. It's very unfortunate that many use the theme only to enchance the so-called aesthetical side of their work."

A various spectrum of occult studies are present at our present lives, but to speak about it publically - that I cannot unfortunately do. As we may repeat the hermetic clicheé in the way mr. Lévi puts it: "“When one does not know, one should will to learn. To the extent that one does not know it is foolhardy to dare, but it is always well to keep silent.”

Monday, January 16, 2012

This is a review of a split albbum between Funeral In Heaven and Plecto Aliquem Capite both bands from Sri Lanka called "Astral Mantras Of Dyslexia" which was released by Dunkelhiet Producktionen and we will start of the review with Funeral In Heaven that plays a very ethnic form of depressive/occult black metal.

Drums range from slow, to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the folk instruments when they are utilized bring a very dark Middle Eastern and Hindu/Vedic feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced depressive black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some doom metal influences while the lead guitars when they are utilized are 70's style guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched depressive black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts, clean singing and mournful sounding cries, while the lyrics are written in their native tongue with themes that cover Sri Lankan History, Demonology, and Astrology, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Funeral In Heaven are a very good ethnic sounding depressive/occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK " Bandhana (Gatahaththey kathaa wasthuwa)". RECOMMENDED.

Next up is Plecto Aliquem Capite who also plays a very etnic form of depressive/occult black metal.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and blast beats, while the folk instruments when they are utilized bring a very Middle Eastern, Hindu and New Age Feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast depressive black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with somewhat of a doom metal edge and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and distorted sounding depressive black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts and deep growls as well as a brief use of clean singing Middle Eastern chanting on the last sonng, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Vedic, Torture, Suffocation and Grief, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my Plecto Aliquem Capite are a very great sounding ethnic depressive/occult black metal band with the best music on this split and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Stoned Guru Ramblings" and "Crestfallen: Immolating Shakthi" which has both bands on it. RECOMMENDED

In my opinion this is a great split of ethnic depressive/occult black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check this recording out. RECOMMENDED BUY.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the project these days?

Currently my new Pagan Metal album called “CREEDamage” is on mixing stage. All instruments were already recorded and edited. Album has two versions: in Russian and English languages. It is planned to be released in Summer 2012 by Svarga Music.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

If to talk about the newest album “CREEDamage”: it is high-quality produced Pagan Metal with ambient fragments, epic symphonic arrangements, some folklore melodies and vocals. Many musicians from different bands and even countries took part in it. Guitars riffs are very strong and mighty because we’re decided to use low “C note” tuning, but beautiful orchestral melodies do the album’s sound complete, rich and less aggressive.

3. I have read that the new recording is a soundtrack to avideo game, can you tell us a little bit more about the game, I am not that familiar with the newer games myself?

In December 2011 my 4th album “The Dark Saga – Original Soundtrack” was released by Dutch Blazing Production. Yes, it is a soundtrack for a mod to computer game Gothic II. I composed and recorded music for all gameplay locations such as: Ancient Ruins, Hunters’ Camp, Pirates’ Bay and others. Every track is a recital of place and it’s inhabitants; it shows the atmosphere and character of game location. The dark places with dead inhabitants have the sombre ambient/noise sounds. The Lair with Orks has heavy orchestral brass theme, other camps have beautiful sympho-ambient music. But I can’t say anything about the game itself because I have no time for playing. I’m composer, not the gamer (.

4. I have noticed that each album has a different sound are you going to continue with this concept on future recordings as well?

My new album “CREEDamage” includes themes for both groups of Munruthel’s art fans: Metal and Ambient. I think all new Munruthel’s albums will continue this tradition since I’m not interested to play purely metal music.

5. You have recorded both black metal albums and dark ambient albums, which style do you prefer and how would you compare the 2 genres and also will there be any black metal on future recordings?

Firstly I want to point out that there’s no Black Metal in my albums. Real true Black Metal is not a kind of music, it’s a deathly and satanic ideology. Yes, I used scream vocals, but this doesn’t mean that it is a Black Metal. Munruthel always played Pagan Ambient/Folk Metal music which is surely against christianity! My music is not a weapon of Death, my music is a source of ancient triumph of Life! I like equally both pagan metal and electronic atmospheric ambient. But most of all I like symphonic music.

6. Currently you are signed to Blazing Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Svarga Management takes care of all my releases currently and they have agreed with Blazing Productions for this release. The support of this label is outstanding, I really appreciate it! But that’s all what I can say, for details you have to ask directly Svarga Management.

7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance and also are there any plans in the future to use live musicians again and do a show?

I’m interested only in studio work. I‘ve played very many gigs with other projects and bands as session drummer, but now I am totally tired of live performances. I would like to listen to forest bird singing but not the roar of crowd beneath the stage. And it’s truth (

8. You have recorded both solo and with musicians which one do you prefer?

Munruthel was always a one-man project. Invited musicians have just played the parties which I wrote for them because I cannot be good to play on all instruments. I like to work alone because nobody and nothing can’t distract me from my ideas.

9.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Munruthel?

Munruthel is something like “Moonrising”. The Moon has leading role in my life and my spirit. It’s a planet in my Zodiac sign. I dedicated to Mother-Moon some of my music and lyrics. I’ve nothing to say more…

10. On a worldwide level how has your new album been received by both fans of black metal and dark ambient?

Many of Black Metal fans like symphonic/soundtrack music. And many of them are writing to me letters for buying my new CD. For me it’s a new step in my art, the new level of my musical creativity. It’s a first CD when Munruthel is not a project, not a band, but a Composer!

11. What is going on with the other projects these days?

I have recorded drums for new albums of THUNDERKRAFT (industrial folk death metal) and TRIGLAV (medieval European folk-metal) bands. And I work at my own MoonHome Studio on the second album of my world music project KOLO.

12. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

General idea for Munruthel is a Mother-Nature protection! It begun in 1995 and continue at these days. And will be in the future. Now it is a great problem for me. Album “CREEDamage”, that I mix now in my studio, have lyrics about Nature.

13. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Now I work in my own studio. I’m recording and mixing many different bands and listening to their music everyday. When I have pause in my work I prefer silence, not the music. When I was young and used to hear very much of a music, I liked different styles and bands such as: Jean Michel Jarre, Enigma, Pink Floyd, Tiamat, The Gathering, Metallica, Slayer, Bathory, Wagner, Stravinsky, Prokofyev etc.

14. What role does Slavic Paganism play in your music and views and also do you have any interest in any other forms of paganism or occultism?

Every note in my music is reflection of Slavic Paganism, my understanding of the World. Some bands create music and lyrics about Gods, but in a real life they are casual people, atheists. They do it because Pagan Metal is a popular music nowadays. I really know the Power of Slavonic Gods and I ready to fight with them against christian plug! I’m searching the Truth and I’m interested in other pagan religions and occultism. I found many common things between European cultures and religions. It helps me to understand Who Am I and What is The Universe!

15.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

The family, children, tourism, photo, video, reading.

16. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Stay true to yourself!!! TV, Radio, Internet are just the phantoms of electricity… Nature and You – thats the only Reality!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Decayed are a band from Portugal that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed in with some thrash influences and this is a review of their 2011 album "Lustanian Black Fucking Metal" which was released by War Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them, as for the sound effects that are used in between songs they bring a very dark and evil sound to the music with a brief use of folk instruments being used on one song.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some thrash and punk influences as well as a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars combine black metal with thrash and traditional metal in the guitar solos and leads mixed in with some melodies and they are very raw and chaotic sounding.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are mostly written in Portuegese except for the cover tunes and cover Satanism, Occultism and Armagedden, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Decayed are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal band with a thrash edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "O Fim Dos Baptizados" "Nas Trevas Ingresso" "13 Candles" which is a Bathory cover and "Ódio, Fogo, Sangue". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Mortuus Caelum are a band from Greece that had on of their split albums reviewed before by this zine that plays a very raw and primitive form of satanic/hellenic black metal with a melodic edge and this is a review of their 2012 album "Ad Libertatem Mortem" which was released by War Productions.

Drums range from mid paced to fast playing with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some dark sounding melodies being thrown in at times mixed in with some riffing that has a very traditional and thrash metal feeling to them as well as a brief use of clean and soft playing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of hateful, grim and high pitched black metal screams while the lyrics cover Satanism, Anti Christian, War, Occultism, Inuit and Greek Mythology, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Mortuus Caelum and if you are a fan of their previous releases, you should enjoy this one as well. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Bloodshed" "Amarok(The Wolf God)" "Typhon" and "Under A Dead Sky". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Seelenmord are a duo from Argentina that plays a very raw and primitive form of melodic black metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 EP "And We Only Find Solitude Part I".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some dark sounding melodies and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the classical guitars which are only utilized briefly they use finger picking to bring a very dark and depressive sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling to them at times with a brief use of clean singing being used on the first song as well as a spoken word part being utilized on the last song, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Seelenmord are a very great raw and primitive sounding melodic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The World Cries In Rain" and "Beneath The Rubble". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Munruthel are a 1 man band from Ukraine whose member is a well known musician in the black metal scene there that has over the years with his project has recorded black metal albums and dark ambient albums under the name Munthrel and with this recording goes for more of an epic dark ambient soundtrack movies for video games and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Dark Saga" which was released by Blazing Productions.

Drum programming is all slow and militant beats, while the synths bring a very dark ambient, classical and epic sound to the music, as for the flutes they bring a very dark and medievel as well as shamanistic feeling to the music and you can hear sounds of animals anf nature.

Classical guitars use finger picking to enhance the darkness of the music and there is no singing or vocals on this recording except for maybe a few chants with most of the music being instrumental.

The concept of the music revolves around the "Gothic II: Dark Saga Addon" video game, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion while the more close minded black metal fans of their previous album might not enjoy this I still feel that this is a very great epic sounding dark ambient/classical album and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Thick Wood" "The Huntsmen Camp" "The Ork's Lair" and "The Ancients Ruin". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Friday, January 6, 2012

So Much For Mothing are a band from Norway that plays a very depressive form of avant garde black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Livisgnist" which was released by My Kingdom Darkness.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the saxophones, trumpets, violins and flutes bring a very dark and avant garde/experimental music sound to the music mixing in influences from dark rock and pop music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced depressive black metal riffs that also mix in some doom metal and heavy music genres, while the lead guitars are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads that also utilize influences outside the black metal spectrum, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to give the music a progressive feeling.

Vocals are mixture of hateful, grim and high pitched depressive sounding black metal screams with some mournful sounding cries mixed in with some clean singing and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover the struggles of life and the night, as for the production it has a very heavy, strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion SO Much For Nothing are a very great and original sounding avant garde depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Suicide-Syndrome" and "New Life-New Beginning". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Disquise are a band from Itlay that mixes 90's style Swedish black metal with death metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Second Coming" which was released by My Kingdom Music.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the synths when they are utilized they bring an atmospheric and somewhat of an industrial edge to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine 90's style Swedish black metal with death metal mixed in with some riffing that utilizes alot of skill and melody as well as a black'n'roll and modern metal edge while the lead guitars are very distorted sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and hateful black metal screams mixed in with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics cover apocalyptic themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Disguise are very good sounding black metal/black'n'roll/death metal hybrid with a modern edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "I Am Alone" "Repressed Rage" and "Claustrophobic Rage". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Welter In thy Blood are a band from Los Angeles, California that plays a very depressive and suicidal form of black metal mixed in with some funeral doom metal and this is a review of their 2008 ep "The Grim Visage Of Death" which was released by Black Goat Records.

Drums are all slow playing with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the sound effects they bring a dark ambient feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars are slow slow riffs that combine suicidal/depressive black metal with funeral doom and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly distorted sounding high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts and deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover misanthropy and suicide, as for the production it has a very dark heavy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Welter In Thy Blood are a very great suicidal black metal/funeral doom hybrid and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band.
RECEMMONDED TRACK "Death As A Coffer". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Silencer where a band from Sweden that played a very depressive and suicidal form of black metal and this is a review of their 2001 album "Death Pierce Me" which was released by Prophecy Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a very dark and depressive sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very depressive, suicidal, raw and primitive sounding with some soft clean playing being thrown in at times as well as some dark sounding melodies and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched depressive/suicidal black metal screams with a brief use of deep growls and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover suicide, death, misanthropy and insanity, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Silencer where a very great sounding suicidal/depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Death Pierce Me" "Sterile Nails and Thunderbowles" and "I Shall Lead, You Shall Follow". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Furze are a 1 man band from Norway that plays a very raw and primitive form of Norwegian satanic black metal mixed in with some doom metal influences and this is a review of their 2007 album "UTD" which was released by Agonia Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording as for the sound effects when they are utilized they bring a very dark and avant garde sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast Norwegian style black metal riffs that mix in alot of doom and thrash metal influences and weird style riffing along with some dark sounding melodies and a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars are very raw, chaotic, weird and distorted sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some deep growls, whispers, spoken word parts and clean singing, while the lyrics cover satanic and abstract themes with one song being written in Norwegian, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Furze are a very great weird sounding and original sounding Norwegian satanic black metal band with a doom metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "A Life About My Sabbath" "Demonic Order In The Facist's Hall" and "Goatbreath". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Gotmoor are a band from Belgium that playa a very raw and primitive form of atmospheric black metal and this is a review of their 2000 demo compilation album "Vlaemsche Premitieven" which was released by 150666 Releases.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music and on one of the intros and outros they utilize a part that has a very avant garde/experimental feeling, as for the playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with primitive riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding mixed in with some dark melodies along with a brief use of clean playing and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are written in Belgian and cover Trolls and Flemish History, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Gotmoor are a very great sounding raw and primitive atmospheric black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Vlaamsch Verdriet" "Ten Strijde" "Order Den Eglantier" and "De Witte Dame". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Sirius where a band from Portugal that played a very atmospheric and orchestra form of occult dark/black metal and this is a review of their 2000 album "Aeons Of Magick" which was released by Nocturnal Art Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the orchestra and keyboards bring a very atmospheric and classical music feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast dark/black metal riffs that are very melodic sounding at times with alot of skill and talent being utilized while the lead guitars are very distorted and melodic sounding metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts, deep death metal growls and clean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover Astronomy, Cosmic Mysticism and Occultism, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Sirius where a very great sounding atmospheric, orchestra orientated dark/black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Sidereal Mirror" "Ethereal Flames Of Chaos" and "Aeons Of Magick". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Open Grave are a band from New Jersey that plays a very raw and primitive form of anti christian/satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2001 demo "The Heavens Cry Back" which was re-issued on cd by Regimental Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them, as for the sound effects they are only utilized briefly to add more evil sounds to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a brief use of clean playing being thrown into the music that utilizes some full chords as well as some dark sounding melodies that have a darker death metal feeling to them and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams that have a depressive feeling at times mixed in with some mournful sounding cries as well as a brief use of deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism, Blasphemy and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Open Grave are a very great sounding satanic black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Satan And Blasphemy" and "Their Sin Was Forgiven In Cinders". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Goatfire where a band from Itlay that played a very raw, disgusting and primitive form of satanic black metal and this is a review of their 2004 Demo Compilation album "Fiendish Ruminations" which was released by Total Holocaust Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the organs which are only utilized on a few of song's mainly on the third demo they bring the feeling of a black and white horror film to the music..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a small amount of dark sounding melody as well as a brief use of clean playing being utilized on the later demos and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams as well as a brief use of clean singing being utilized on one song, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Darkness and Anti Christian themes and on the 5th demo there are some songs written in Latin, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive sound and you can tell that the music that was translated in cd came from cassette tape demos.

In my opinion Goatfire where a very great sounding raw and primitive satanic band which you can hear progressed alot with each demo and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Goatfire" "Frozen Remains" "Defloration Of The Holy Land" and "where Titans Of Blasphemy Sit". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Mactatus where a band from Norway that played a very atmospheric form of black metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "Suicide" which was released by Napalm Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music with some pianos being thrown in at times that give the music a classic music feeling in addition there is a brief use of violins being utilized on a very few songs, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that utilize alot of talent and skill with some dark sounding melodies and thrash and death metal influences while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very talented and melodic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with some spoken word parts as well as a brief use of clean singing, deep death metal growls and whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover demented, murder and suicidal themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound to it and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Mactatus where a very great sounding atmospheric black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Epilogue-The Tale Of The Psychotic" "Sanity In Murder" "To Distance Death From Life" and "Broken Dreams Of Death". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Dawnfall where a band from Germany that played a very raw and primitive form of ambient/avant garde black metal and this is a review of their 2002 album "Drei Raume" which was released by Nazgul's Eyrie Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with only a small amount of blast beats, while the keyboards and harpsichord bring a very dark atmospheric, avant garde and ambient sound to the music as well as some industrial/noise being utilized on one song, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast ambient black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with a doom metal feeling being used at times and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording and the guitars are only present on this first 3 songs with the rest of the album being instrumental.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing which is only present on the first 3 songs and mournful sounding cries as well as a brief use of samples and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover dark and gloomy themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Dawnfall are a very great sounding raw and primitive sounding avant garde/ambient black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "I" "II" and "III". RECEMMONDED BUY.